English

UNIT II
Lesson: NATURE: The Brook by Alfred Tennyson (Poem)
Listening: Answering a series of questions about main ideas and supporting ideas after
listening to audio texts.
Speaking: Discussion in pairs/small groups on specific topics followed by short structure
talks.
Reading: Identifying sequence of ideas; recognizing verbal techniques that help to link the
ideas in a paragraph together.
Writing: Structure of a paragraph - Paragraph writing (specific topics)
Grammar: Cohesive devices - linkers, use of articles and zero article; prepositions.
Vocabulary: Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs.

The Brook by Alfred Tennyson (Poem)

Alfred Lord Tennyson was born on August 6, 1809, in England. He was one of the most
renowned English poets of the Victorian era. Tennyson started composing poems in his
teens. Throughout his life, Tennyson's profession as a poet flourished. His poetry captured
the essence of the Victorian era, well known by its emphasis on moral principles,
examination of human emotions, and close relationship with nature. Tennyson expressed
nostalgia and hope for the future in his writings.

The poem “The Brook” was written in 1886. It is in the form of ballad. The poem consists of
52 lines divided into 13 stanzas. The poem follows the journey of a brook as it flows through
various landscapes. The brook symbolizes the passage of time and the fading nature of life.

In this poem the poet is narrating a brook’s story in the first person. He has personified the
stream, and it talks of its beginning, the journey through various landforms and finally, its
destination which is the river. The poet compares a man’s journey of life to the brook’s
journey. The brook is never-ending and flows forever whereas man is temporary. The brook
says that men come and go but it stays forever.
In this poem, the brook plays the role of narrator and describes its journey. The Brook begins
its journey from somewhere in the mountains, which are home to birds like ‘coots’ and
‘heron’ and ends it by joining the ‘brimming river’. On its way, it passes by many hills, towns,
villages and bridges. The brook’s movement is sometimes forceful and strong, sometimes
leisurely. It makes its way by destroying the banks, through cultivated, uncultivated lands
and forelands. The brook is also the habitat of many kinds of fish. It also provides a meeting
point for lovers and surface to swallows to swim. Its rushing water serves as a background
for the dance of the rays of the sun.
The brook proceeds on its journey slipping, sliding, gliding, dancing. The moon, the stars
make it murmur. On its way, it overcomes many hurdles and obstacles but reaches its
destination in the end. The immortality and performance of the brook has been compared
with human life, which is mortal and finishes after a certain period. The brook teaches us a
wise lesson. It shows us that our life must come to an end one day. We may pass through
many obstacles, but all this comes to an end when we die. The journey of brook from its
origin to destination represents a man’s life journey from birth to death.
The journey of the brook becomes parallel to the journey of human life. The poet makes a
reflective comment which highlights the continuity and never-ending existence of the brook
to the temporary nature of human life. The poet wishes to point out that just as ups and
downs do not scare the brook from its journey, similarly, human beings should also take the
hurdles and sorrows in their life.

Writing
Structure of a paragraph
A paragraph is a collection of sentences that discuss a single idea. The paragraph is always
the basic unit of an essay. It can perform the function of an introduction, an explanation, a
description, an argument, an illustration and a conclusion. Paragraph writing is a significant
productive skill, that combines both composing and organizing skills. It is a fundamental unit
of writing that helps organize and present information coherently. Well-structured
paragraphs enhance the clarity and flow of your writing.

Elements of a paragraph/Structure of a paragraph

Writing an effective paragraph requires a careful writing plan that ensures the following:

• Topic Sentences
• Supporting Details
• Transition Words
• Coherence and Unity
• Concluding Sentences
• Length and Structure
• Paragraph Organization
• Revision and Editing

Topic Sentences
The topic sentence is the main idea or focus of a paragraph. It presents the overall theme or
argument that the paragraph will discuss. A strong topic sentence provides a clear roadmap
for readers.
Supporting Details
Supporting details expand on the topic sentence and provide evidence or examples. They
help to explain, illustrate, or prove the main idea.
Transition Words
Transition words and phrases connect ideas within and between paragraphs. They help to
create a smooth and logical flow of information. Examples of transition words include
"however," "in addition," and "on the other hand."
Coherence and Unity
Coherence refers to the logical arrangement of ideas within a paragraph. Unity means that
all sentences in a paragraph are related to the main idea. Both coherence and unity
contribute to the overall effectiveness of a paragraph.
Concluding Sentences
The concluding sentence restates the main idea or provides a final thought on the topic. A
strong concluding sentence leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
Length and Structure
Paragraph length may vary depending on the purpose and context of your writing. Typically,
paragraphs range from three to five sentences. While there are no strict rules, it is important
to maintain a balanced and concise structure.
Paragraph Organization
Organize paragraphs logically to ensure a smooth flow of ideas. Consider using
chronological, spatial, or Logical sequencing order. The organization should support the
overall structure and purpose of the writing.
Revision and Editing
Revision involves reviewing and improving the structure of your paragraphs. Ensure that
each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and supporting details. Editing focuses on
correcting grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.

Reading
Sequencing
Sequencing is the arrangement of ideas, thoughts, opinions, and facts in a systematic and
well-mannered manner. Sequencing gives writing a logical flow, making it easy to read and
understand. Sequencing is an essential skill for effective communication. It helps to organize
ideas and arguments in a clear and coherent manner. It enhances the readability and
comprehension of a written piece. Proper sequencing ensures that the intended message is
conveyed effectively. There are three types of sequencing:
1. Chronological Sequencing
 2. Spatial Sequencing
3. Logical Sequencing
Chronological Sequencing
Arranging ideas in the order they occur in time is referred to as Chronological Sequencing.
Ex: The historical movements are often arranged chronologically, such as birth and death
dates of kings, dates of battles, etc.., are always ordered from the oldest to the most recent
date.

Spatial Sequencing
Spatial Sequencing is a type of logical organization pattern that describes things according to
their actual location in space.
Ex: In a description of a house, the sentences may be arranged in a spatial sequence. The
narrator may begin by mentioning big-picture details such as its size, location, etc. Next the
narrator moves inside the house and describe its rooms one by one.
Logical Sequencing
Logical sequencing refers to the interconnections/relationships between the ideas and
events, etc.
Ex: A story sequence is a vital aspect of story writing as sequencing narrate something that
happened and going to happen in the past, present and future logically so that readers can
follow it.

Vocabulary
Homonyms
Homonyms are words that have the same spelling and the same pronunciation, but different
meanings. Here are some examples of homonyms as follows.

Address

I will address this after reading the letter. She knows your home address.

Bear

I cannot bear the pain. The bear lives in the jungle.

Bank
The bank is closed due to lockdown. I lived along the banks of the river.

Band

The band of musicians is lazy. He wears a small band on his head.

Book

She has a lot of books. I will book a table at the hotel.

Bat

The bat king of caves. He purchased a new cricket bat.

Can

I can help you. The can of Pepsi is empty.

Cool

It’s a cool morning. This is not a cool tone.

Clips

She will buy two hair clips for you. The wire is covered with silver clips.

Drop

Water drops falling from a tap. Please drop me off near school.
 Date

Adding dates to milkshake gives a good taste. The project will complete by the set date

File

All file of the disk has a different name. We must file the police case by evening.

Fly

Fly has 6 legs. I want to fly in the sky.

Letter

The letter is ready for the post There are 26 letters in the English alphabet.

Left

I have pain in my left hand. I’ve left my bag in the car.

Match

I saw the last night cricket Match. She will match it with the correct picture.

Nail

Cut your nail once a time in a week. Don’t nail on the wood.

Palm
 Coconut grows in palm trees I did not hold up a palm for silence

Park

I walk around the park daily. Do not park your car here.

Rose

The Red rose is the symbol of love. Sara rose the hand yesterday.

Ruler

Do you have ruler? Nelson Mandela was the great ruler.

Saw

Hand saw is used to cut the wood. I saw her yesterday in the market.

Sink

The sink is in the kitchen. Coins sink in the water.

Ship

They travel by ship. We ship books out to New York every month.

Tie

Hope so the game will tie among them. He always wears a shirt and tie
 Wave

The wave of ocean fears me. She waves her hand.

Watch

I watch T.V in the evening. He gifted me a very expensive wristwatch.

Well

Well done! You did a good job. The well water always cold.

Homophones
Homophones are words that have the same pronunciation, but different spelling and
different meanings. Here are some examples of homophones as follows.

• Allowed: You are allowed to bring one guest to the party.

Aloud: The teacher read the story aloud to the class.

• Board: We need to buy a new cutting board for the kitchen.

Bored: I felt bored during the long meeting.

• Die: The flower will die if you don’t water it.

Dye: She decided to dye her hair.

• Maid: The maid cleaned the room and made the bed.
Made: The artist made a beautiful sculpture from clay.

• Meat: We need to buy some meat for tonight’s dinner.

Meet: Let’s meet at the café at 7 pm.

• Rain: The rain started to pour heavily.

Reign: The king’s reign lasted for 20 years.

• One: Can you pass me one slice of pizza?

Won: She won the first prize in the singing competition.
 • Son: The proud father hugged his son after the graduation ceremony.
Sun: We decided to go to the beach and enjoy the warm sun.

• Whether: I’m still not sure whether I should go or not.

Weather: The weather forecast predicts rain for tomorrow.

• Sweet: The dessert was a sweet treat after dinner.

Suite: The hotel room had a luxurious suite with a view.

• Soul: The singer’s soulful voice touched everyone’s hearts.

Sole: She was the sole winner of the dance competition.

• Male: The male lion roared loudly in the wild.

Mail: I will mail the package to you tomorrow.

• Flower: I planted a flower.

Flour: I used flour in the recipe.

• Great: What a great idea!

Grate: Let’s grate some cheese.

• Plain: She drinks plain coffee.

Plane: I flew to Delhi in a plane.

• See: I see a rabbit in the backyard.

Sea: My cousins live by the sea.

• Pear: A pear is a fruit.

Pair: I have a new pair of shoes.

• Hear: I can’t hear you.

Here: Put it over here.

• Scent: I love the scent of vanilla.

Sent: I sent you a letter.

• Not: I’m not happy right now.

knot: Tie a knot with your shoelace.

Homographs

Homographs are words that have the same spelling, but different meanings and different
pronunciation. Here are some examples of homographs as follows.

• Live: I live in Mumbai.

Live: The match will be telecasted live today.
 • Minute: I will be there in a minute.
Minute: That is a very minute amount.

• Lead: Lead is a very heavy metal.

Lead: He can Lead our team.

• Wind: The wind is blowing fast.

Wind: lets wind up the class.

• Close: My home is close to the temple.

Close: Please close the door.

• Bow: She did not bow before the queen.

Bow: He was armed with a bow and arrow.

• Object: Pick up the object.

Object: I did not object to her demand.

• Tear: She did not shed a single tear.

Tear: Do not tear the paper.

• Wound: My Wound has not yet healed.

Wound: I wound the tape.

• Project: The project needs to be finished by the end of the week.

Project: project the slides onto the wall so we can all see them.

• Dove: He dove into the cold water.

Dove: Dove is a peaceful bird.

• Content: This program includes incorrect content.

Content: I was content with my life.

Grammar
Cohesive devices – linkers
Cohesive devices are sometimes called linking words, linkers, connectors, discourse markers,
or transitional words/ transitional phrases, or signposts. They help readers understand the
relationships and connections between ideas and sentences. Thus, they make writing more
meaningful and effective. Cohesive devices link words within a sentence, one sentence to
another, one idea to another or one paragraph to another. Overusing cohesive devices or
not using them enough might affect the reader negatively. The following table shows the
cohesive devices and their functions with some examples:
 Cohesive devices Function

First, second, third, next, now, then, They show a time relationship
following this, currently, at this point, after,
afterward, after so much time, after that,
before this, previously, simultaneously,
concurrently, subsequently, consequently,
finally, thus, therefore, hence, soon,
eventually, ever since, meanwhile, etc..

Example:
Firstly, you need to buy bread from the bakery. Then, you can go to the market and buy all
the vegetables and fruits.

Cohesive devices Function

Though, although, but, however, They show contrast or difference

nonetheless, nevertheless, unlike, yet, still,
in contrast, despite, rather than, of course,
sometimes, occasionally

Example:
You have made many grammatical errors. However, your imagination is good.

Cohesive devices Function

Because, because of, caused by, due to, as, for, They indicate causation
since

Finally, in conclusion, to conclude, to sum up They show conclusion

And, also, besides, furthermore, another, in To add information

addition, moreover

For example, for instance, to illustrate, such as To show clarifications or examples

Examples:
1) Because I had a bad cold, II went to bed earlier than usual.
 2) After months of working, he finally finished the garden.
3) I like black. Besides, I like blue.
4) I like different fruits, for instance, apples and bananas.

Cohesive devices Function

as if, compared to, by comparison, in To show comparison

comparison, like, likewise, similarly,

Consequently, as a result, for this/that reason, They show effect or result

that is why, therefore, thus, so

In other words, in fact, once again, to repeat, To repeat or rephrase information

in another way

Examples:
1) Husband and wife were similarly successful in their chosen careers.
2) As a result of the accident, he was out of work for three months.
3) She closed the door on him once again.

Prepositions
Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other
words in a sentence. They indicate place, time, direction, purpose, means, manner,
movement and more. Prepositions are essential for understanding the structure and
meaning of sentences. Prepositions are forms. They are
1. Simple preposition
2. Double preposition
3. Compound preposition
4. Participle preposition
5. Phrase preposition

Simple preposition
Simple prepositions are single-word prepositions that indicate a relationship between a
noun or pronoun and another word in a sentence. They are called “simple” because they
consist of only one word. (at, by, for, from, in, of, on, to, with, through, off, under, over,
since etc are simple prepositions)

Examples of simple prepositions:

• I will meet you at the park at 3 pm.

• We will travel by train.
 • I am sorry for being late.

Double preposition
Preposition which contains two words are known as double preposition. (out of, according
to, next to, near to, inspite of, due to, onto, etc are double prepositions)
Examples of Double Prepositions:
• The cat jumped onto the table.
• She walked out of the room.
• Inspite of being poor he bought a car.

Compound preposition
Prepositions which are formed by prefixes are known as compound preposition. (across,
along, besides, towards, inside, beside, outside, around, without, within, etc are compound
prepositions)
Examples of Compound prepositions:

• We walked across the bridge to get to the other side.

• We walked along the beach at sunset.

• She stood up and walked towards him.

Participle preposition
Present participles which are used as prepositions are known as Participle prepositions.
(concerning, excepting, regarding, following, considering, pending, including, etc are
participle prepositions)
Examples of participle prepositions:

• Considering your experience, I hire you for the job.

• Regarding your resume, we have filled the position with a more qualified candidate.
• He asked several questions concerning the future of the company.

Phrase preposition
Group of words which are used as preposition are known as phrase prepositions. (On behalf
of, in addition of, in case of, by means of, with reference to, etc are Phrase prepositions
Examples of phrase prepositions:

• Rani welcomes the chief guest on behalf of the management.

• This is a two-year course taught by means of lectures and seminars.
 • In case of any problems with the kids, please call us immediately.

Prepositions in common use

The most used prepositions are:
➢ Prepositions of time
➢ Prepositions of place
➢ Prepositions of direction

Prepositions of time
Preposition Usage Examples

at refer to time • I have a meeting at 9am.

• The shop closes at midnight.

on refer to day or date • Do you work on Mondays?

• Her birthday is on 20
November.
in refer to months, years, • There should be a lot of
centuries progress in the next
century.
• In England, it often
snows in December.

for refer to period of time • I have been working for

hours.
• I will do this job for a year.

since refer to point of time • I have been working since

10:00 a.m.
• It’s been raining since
morning.

Prepositions of place
 Preposition Usage Examples

on refer to surface • There are no prices on this

menu.
• You are standing on my
foot.

at refer to a point • She is sitting at a desk.

• He is waiting at the
entrance.
above refer to higher than • There is a mirror above the
sink.
• Her name comes above
mine on the list
Under refer to lower than • The cat is under the table.
• We are living under the
same roof.

in refer an enclosed space • Do you work in an office?

• I have a meeting in New
York.

Prepositions of direction
Preposition Usage Examples

across refer to the other side of • My friend lives across the

street from me.
• We took a boat across the
river.

along refer to the movement • They were lots of shops

from one point to another along the main street.
• We walked along the beach.
towards In the direction of • She stood up and walked
towards him.
• The man started walking
towards the exit.
 near refer to Close by • My mother loves to sit near
the fire at night.
• Come and sit near me.

around refer to circular way • They told stories around the

campfire.
• We sat around the table.

Articles

Refer class notes and textbook page no: 58-61